*
banner

Past, present and future celebrated by Comber Brass

The 75th anniversary of Comber Brass has been marked by a celebration of their proud history, successful present and exciting future.

Comber
  Past, present and future was celebrated in their most recent local cocnert.

Comber Brass has been enjoying its 75th anniversary celebrations by looking towards the future with musical enthusiasm and ranks full of players under MD, Paul Hamilton.

The band's origins can be traced back to 1900, when it was then known as the 2nd Comber Boys Brigade Flute Band, with transitions to Comber Amateur Silver Band in 1949 and finally to the present Comber Brass.

Two members of the 1949 band joined the most recent celebration concert in the local park. Ted Young and Ian Roberts presented Paul Hamilton with the Dobcross Coffee Cup that the band won during the Whit Friday marches this year.

Busy schedule

The current band enjoys a busy schedule of events (including that memorable Whit Friday appearance) and have also enjoyed playing to local audiences as well as royalty — from the future King George VI to King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

Comber's future is being developed through a successful Youth Band, which was formed in September 2022.

Under the guidance of George Sandford they are providing a vital supply of talent, with two player already joining the senior band for rehearsals.

The pioneering approach has been part of the band's ethos for many years — from welcoming female players as far back as the 1960s — and now making up over a third of the senior band personnel.

Family has also been very important with a number of families being involved in the organisation throughout its history and to the present day.

We thank our supporters and all who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure we continue to succeed and thrive. Now we can confidently look forward to another 75 years ahead of usComber Brass

Thanks

A spokesperson told 4BR: "We have gone through two world wars and covid and we still flourish with such an exciting future ahead of us.

We thank our supporters and all who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure we continue to succeed and thrive. Now we can confidently look forward to another 75 years ahead of us."

Photo credit: Graham Baalham Curry

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Gregson and Bliss

Gregson and Bliss to challenge National Finalists

March 30 • Significant composer anniversaries will be marked at London and Cheltenham this year.


Youth Brass 2000

Report & Results: 2025 National Youth Championships of Great Britain

March 30 • Youth Brass 2000 reclaims the Championship honours with Shepherd Youth Group taking the Performance title in Hull.


National Youth Champs

Hull ready for National Youth Championships

March 28 • There is a packed day of music making to enjoy at Hymers College in Hull on Saturday with a record field of bands and players taking to the stage.


Breet and Keith

Baker and Wilkinson renew Atlantic connection

March 28 • A 30 year musical friendship has been reconnected between Brett Baker and Dr Keith Wilkinson.


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB


Bilton Silver Rugby Band - Bilton Silver at the Musicals

Saturday 5 April • St Andrew's Church, Rugby CV21 3PT


Rushden Town Band - Hope Spring Concert

Saturday 5 April • Hope Methodist Church, Linnets Lane, Higham Ferrers, Northamptonshire NN10 8DE


Regent Hall Concerts - The Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 25 April • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Newstead Brass - Under Gaia

Saturday 26 April • Mansfield Palace Theatre. Leeming Street . Mansfield. Nottinghamshire NG18 1NG


Simon Langton Brass

April 1 • Due to forced retirement - Simon Langton Brass (Conductor Keith Demetriou Twyman) has a vacancy for an experienced back row cornet player. Position is negotiable as is a willingness to share your experience with our next generation of cornet players!


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for a full-time Tuba player (position negotiable) . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, IBB are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, M1 J22


Ibstock Brick Brass

April 1 • Midlands Area Champions IBB have an opening for an experienced percussionist. . . Ambitious and enjoying a varied concert/contest program, we are looking forward to the third section finals 2025. Rehearsals Mon/Thu in Coalville, close to M1 J22


Andreas Kratz

Mus.B (hons)
Conductor, Adjudicator, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd